Former Intelligence general Ion Mihai Pacepa, who defected from Ceausescu’s oppressive system in 1978, had his first public intervention during an Antena 1 news program. The former head of Foreign Intelligence explained why he chose to “disavow Communism” on July 22, 1978.
“It’s not easy to speak to people who are still indoctrinated by politicians and still believe that those who supported the US and the NATO during the Communist age were traitors”, said Pacepa.
“On July 22, 1978, Ceausescu has called for me and ordered me to arrange the assassination of Noel Bernard, head of the Romanian programs at Radio Free Europe. That pushed me over the edge, after all the years of committing blamable acts… But I was never involved in killings.
I had two consecutive death sentences because I used my right to free speech. I will never give up this right”, Pacepa explained.
